Month: December 2013

Ajda and Tony from Black Fortress Of Opium stripped back the band’s work for a set at O’Brien’s. The gifted duo slipped into the alternate arrangements with ease, showcasing both the songs and performances.

Another cold night in Allston after a bit of snow. Sounds like the perfect time to hit up O’Brien’s for a wonderfully eclectic bill. The Wrong Shapes were first on the stage. I still can’t believe they make all of their beautiful, textured music with just two people. I love watching them create all of their layers.

With snow coming down heavily before the show and expectations of conditions worsening, there was legitimate concern before Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular that people wouldn’t be able to make it out to the show. Thankfully, this one played out like a cheesy Christmas movie. People did come out. Harris Hawk, Animal Talk, Parks and Sidewalk Driver all played amazing sets to a festive and growing audience. Then, Freezepop came out and put a giant electronic cherry on top of this delicious frozen treat. It was a wonderful show, Mr. Bouchard.

Snow. Let’s get that out of the way. A nasty little storm blew in at the worst possible time. That couldn’t stop Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular, though! The show plowed ahead* with Harris Hawk rattling the metal in the mouths of the intrepid concert-goers gathering at The Middle East Downstairs for a remarkable night of music.

* Did I really just type that? Oof. I blame sleep deprivation from a long weekend at The Sinclair. More on that later.

Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents never fail to entertain. Their set at Brighton Music Hall for the Boston Does Boston benefit included holiday numbers, a Township cover* and a bunch of their ’60s-girl-group-meets-’70s-orchestral-pop originals. They’re one of the best live acts in town, nodoubtaboutit.